USA – The Hershey Company, an American company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world has announced Cocoa For Good, its holistic cocoa sustainability strategy.
This comprehensive strategy addresses the most pressing issues facing cocoa-growing communities: poverty, poor nutrition, at-risk youth, and vulnerable ecosystems.
According to the company, it seeks to bring positive change in these areas through collaborative programs, partnerships and significant investment, including a half-a-billion-dollar commitment by 2030.
“A sustainable cocoa supply depends on a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach to find solutions to the social, environmental and economic challenges facing cocoa-growing communities,” said Susanna Zhu, Chief Procurement Officer.
“As a critical player in the cocoa value chain, we are committed to doing our part. The Hershey Company has been partnering with key stakeholders in the cocoa sector for more than 100 years.
Under Cocoa For Good, we continue to work toward a future where there’s a long-term, sustainable cocoa supply, the natural environment is protected, and we are creating better lives for everyone.
It’s good for the cocoa farmers, families, communities, chocolate consumers and the success of our business.”
Cocoa For Good focuses investments and work in four key areas; Nourishing Children, Elevating Youth, Prospering Communities and Preserving Ecosystems.
“Cocoa is a tremendous part of the livelihoods for the people of Côte D’Ivoire and public-private partnerships are critical to improving the lives of people living in cocoa communities and protecting our precious natural resources,” said H.E. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice President of the Republic of Côte D’Ivoire.
“We value our partnership with The Hershey Company and look forward to working together to bring about the meaningful change that this new investment will catalyze.”
Cocoa For Good is expected to impact the lives of thousands of farmers in cocoa-growing regions with a focus on West Africa where about 70% of the world’s cocoa is grown.
Owusu Prempeh, from Kwame Adu in the New Edubiase District of Ghana, has been farming cocoa for the last five years and through collaborative initiatives from The Hershey Company, she has received training and support to increase cocoa yields year over year.
“I have sold cocoa to many companies, but I have not benefitted from them like I have with Hershey.
The trainings have increased productivity on my farm, especially with the extensive pruning of my cocoa trees,” said Prempeh.
“I am grateful to Hershey for the premiums they paid to us.
We used part of our premium to purchase school uniforms, school bags, books and other school accessories to support school children in the community.”
From numerous programs that support the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and communities worldwide, to aligning its work to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Hershey Company is helping to build a more sustainable world.
